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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Ruby Fruit Wednesday

It's a Ruby Fruit Wednesday where its "jokers wild" here at COP 24/7. Everything is everything and there's no time for idle chit chat. Let's go with it....

Little Rock AfterDark

We were glad to get a shout out from our San Francisco friend who always wants to stay in touch with what's happening locally. He's not the only one with COP 24/7 on their radar and with each passing day this forum is amazed at our "reach" and just who is peeking in on our offerings. Especially as we continue to inquire about and muse about the current bar switcheroo involving the "The New Six Ten and the impending Miss Kitty's and Long Branch Saloon," in the Seventh and Center street mix. After a bumpy start with what were some miscommunications and goings on, the "New Six Ten" is off to a slow start as customers vibe out exactly what's new about the place and where's it going. At this time, new personnel and some furnishings are either on the way or may have arrived by this posting. Bar management is still formulating plans and scheduling activites for the establishment. Meanwhile, Miss Kitty's the former Pulse/Off Center mash up is now undergoing renovations. The word is that the interior color of Kitty's will be "red" with western accents and the "Long Branch" will retain much of its present look but will have a rustic feel that will compliment the overall atmosphere. There's no words yet as to if their will be cover charges,but management has stated that their will exciting entertainment options including some rumored line dance lessons. The projected date for opening is December 1, however that date depends on progress. Stay tuned for updates....

NABWMT Convention Announces Former Surgeon General Elders as Keynote Speaker

Former Surgeron General Jocelyn Elders has been scheduled as the Banquet Keynote Speaker for their 32nd Annual Convention, July 16-21, 2012 in San Diego, California. Elders served as the United States Surgeron General from 1993-1995 until controversial recommendations subjected her to submit her resignation in January 1995. She returned to the University of Arkansas Children's Hospital until her retirement on June 30th 1998. Registrations for the convention can be obatained at www.nabwnt.org The National Association of Black and White Men Together's mission is to address racism, sexism, homophobia, HIV and AIDS in communites throughout the United States utilizing its affiliates of chapters.

“Summit on Sex Work in the South”

“Everyone has human rights- including sex workers and people who exchange sex for money, favors or survival,” says Megan McLemore, Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch. “This will be a great opportunity to discuss ways to improve the health, safety and dignity of people whose voices need to be heard.”

Event Details: North Carolina Harm Reduction Coaltion (NCHRC) is hosting a Summit on Sex Work in the South with some great program allies. We will have members of the Asheville Sex Worker Outreach Project, Sex Workers Without Borders, Women with a Vision, North Carolina Sex Work Alliance, Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (HIPS), Human Rights Watch, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), Our Voice, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, Needle Exchange Program of Asheville, Hook and many more! We will discuss issues affecting sex workers of male, female and transgender experience and the communities in which they live. Human rights violations against sex workers are increasing all over the south. The Summit will bring together nonprofits, academics, law enforcement and advocates working with sex workers, people who exchange sex for money or other favors, as well as victims of sexual violence, abuse and social marginalization to address these issues and to look for viable solutions.

6.) Sex Work in the Men Who Have Sex with Men, Transgender and Online Communities

7.) Roundtable: Incorporating Sex Worker Programming into your Agency

8.) Drug Use and Sex Work

9.) Bad Date Lines

10.) Human Trafficking and Sex Work

Event Cost: We are asking for a $10 donation via check or cash at the event or online to assist us cover the summit expenses. People who are sex workers, HIV+, Hepatitis B or C positive, or can not afford to do so will have free admission. No one will be refused entry due to inability to pay. Please note you can pay online via the following link if you would prefer by linking here. Please note the online payment costs $1.50 more to account for paypal's usage fee.